2. Where to search for evidence – literature databases and how you can access them
Which databases should I use?
See a list of the most popular databases for searching for health literature (PDF) (bibliographic databases). This includes links to review databases containing systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and links to major databases for medicine, public health and the social sciences, containing a range of article types including reviews, primary research, background articles, opinion pieces, editorials and more.
Accessing databases – practicalities
The NHS Knowledge Library Services site gives general guidance about NHS knowledge and library services and how NHS staff can access evidence via their local NHS library. It includes a search to find details of your local library as well as guidance about signing up with NHS Open Athens to get access to databases.
Read an outline of how to access the relevant databases for searching evidence, with advice for staff in NHS organisations (including primary care and CCGs), as well as local authority staff and some other organisations who work with NHS patients.
University staff (employees or honorary contract holders) in the local patch can access an extensive range of databases via their library websites. In some cases, they also offer guest access to non-university staff:
Professional Royal Colleges such as the Royal College of Nursing or the Royal College of Physicians also have their own libraries but these are restricted to members only.